Review of "Meant to Be Mine"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review:  The charming Porter family is back with a couple of new additions in "Meant to Be Mine."  Becky Wade creates a story of love, forgiveness, and second chances with Ty Porter and Ceilia Park in the leading roles.  The scene is set for their relationship in the prologue when an impetuous marriage leaves Celia heartbroken when Ty walks away from their vows. Fast-forward almost 6 years, and Celia is a single mother to Addie and struggling to make ends meet; while Ty is still an incorrigible cowboy. I immediately sympathized with Celia and her plight after falling for Ty's charm.  I wasn't won over by Ty quite so easily because he came off as cocky at times.  His character grows a lot throughout the novel as different revelations and events uncover a gentle and caring man under his flirtatious exterior.  The relationship between Celia and Ty progresses at a pleasing pace, neither too fast nor too slow, and their shared history adds an emotional dynamic.  Towards the end of the novel, parts of the plot reminded me of a modern, Texas-Style "Pride and Prejudice."   Although readers see evidence of Ty's love and sacrifice for Celia and Addie, the unveiling of his sacrifices is a pivotal point in Celia's acting on her feelings. 

Some of the sweetest scenes revolve around Addie. Becky Wade paints an adorable portrait of Addie in her glasses and pink cowgirl boots.  Her character feels real and well-balanced between serious, cute, and insightful.  Other supporting characters add texture to the cast, especially Uncle Danny with his surfer-dude mentality and penchant for online dating adding a touch of humor. The Porter family is an endearing group who I will enjoy seeing in future novels in the series.  There is clearly a story to be told about Ty's brother, Jake and I hope that Becky Wade will make him the focus of her next book. "Meant to Be Mine" is solid story of love and family that will grab readers' hearts.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Bethany House: Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. 

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood. 

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?